Rudolph Phillips

Mr. Rudolph Phillips was the second of
nine children born to Clarence Phillips and Elnora (Williams) Phillips. He was
born on April 21, 1926 in Matador, Texas. Rudolph was only five years old when
he, his parents and four siblings moved to East Texas. He united with the
Powell Chapel Baptist Church at an early age and maintained his membership
there throughout his life.

He attended schools in the Jackson
School District before transferring to the Winona school district where he
graduated. After graduation, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy (1944) and was
honorably discharged in 1946. He subsequently earned a Bachelor’s Degree in
Education from Bishop College and a Masters Degree from Texas College. Mr.
Phillips did post-graduate work at Prairie View A. & M. College in
Hempstead, TX, and at the San Fernando Valley State College in Northridge, CA.

In December 5, 1948, he married his
childhood sweetheart, Odie Mae Flowers. To this union two children were born: Gloria
Jean and Sandra Marie. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips adopted another daughter, Brenda
Joyce Mabry.(Both Mrs. Odie Phillips and Ms. Sandra Brewster preceded Mr.
Phillips in death.)

Although Mr. Phillips taught in the
Winona ISD for one year, the bulk of his work in education was spent in the
Gladewater ISD from 1950-1989.He was a tireless and dedicated educator who wore
many hats, serving as a bus driver, teacher, Assistant Principal, and
Principal.Many of his former students and colleagues remember “Professor
Phillips” as a kind, humble, personable leader who demonstrated his Christian
faith by the manner in which he lived his life.He was a hard worker who
credited his strong work ethic to his upbringing. “Child, you couldn’t live in
Daddy’s house unless you worked!” he stated on many occasions.

After retiring from his job as an
educator, Mr. Phillips was able to devote more time to his deep passion for
working in the Waters Bluff community. He served for many, many years as
Precinct Chairman and devoted much time and effort to the Gladewater Public
Library Board. He was one of the founding members of the Star Mountain Water
Supply Corporation and faithfully served from 1968-2008.He served as secretary
treasure of the Waters Bluff Cemetery Association and was a 4-H Leader for fifteen
years.In 2006, Mr. Phillips was cited for his faithful work given to the Powell
Chapel Baptist Church for 60 years.During that time he served as Church
Secretary, Adult Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, and Church Treasurer.

Mr. Phillips departed this life on
Monday, September 24th at 10:53 a.m. in Tyler, Texas.

Mr. Rudolph, the proud Patriarch of his
family, leaves a host of other nephews, nieces, relatives, and friends.He will
be sorely missed by his devoted caregivers – Ms. Pearl Garrett and Mr. James
Braxton.

The family wishes to acknowledge the
kind and compassionate staffs of the Waterton of Shiloh and Legacy Hospice.

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